Planning a trip with oxygen

planning a trip abroad

Medical oxygen is an essential element in the treatment of various respiratory conditions. If you are someone who requires oxygen therapy, you may be wondering if it is possible to travel with your medical oxygen equipment. The good news is that with some planning and preparation, it is possible to travel with medical oxygen and still enjoy your trip.

First, it is important to consult with your doctor before planning your trip. Your doctor can advise you on the best ways to manage your oxygen therapy while traveling and can also provide you with a letter that explains your medical condition and the need for oxygen therapy.

Next, you will need to contact your airline and inform them that you will be traveling with medical oxygen. Airlines have specific policies and procedures in place for passengers who require oxygen therapy, and it is important to follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

When packing for your trip, be sure to include all necessary oxygen equipment, such as a portable oxygen concentrator (POC), extra batteries, and any accessories. It is also a good idea to pack a backup oxygen tank in case of an emergency.

During the flight, it is important to use your oxygen equipment as directed by your doctor and to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. You should also be aware of any changes in altitude, as this can affect your oxygen therapy.

Finally, when you arrive at your destination, it is important to have a plan in place for obtaining additional oxygen if needed. Your doctor can provide you with a list of local medical supply companies that can provide oxygen equipment and supplies.

In conclusion, traveling with medical oxygen is possible with the right planning and preparation. By consulting with your doctor, following airline guidelines, packing the necessary equipment, and staying vigilant during your trip, you can enjoy your travels while still managing your medical condition.

Why a contact is so important when on holiday

lady taking photo with camera

OxygenWorldwide arranges medical oxygen for those who require additional oxygen support due to respiratory conditions such as after covid, asthma, COPD just to name a few of the most common.

The team have great expertise and also speak up to 5 languages so are the direct link to enable the correct oxygen to be at the client’s destination at the right time, plus its so important to have a contact locally too.

Accepting the delivery of the equipment and medical oxygen needed is so vital, so it is very critical that their is a contact of where you are staying for example at your hotel, villa or air bnb, if not then delivery will have to be once you have arrived at your destination and then also collected before you leave. This makes things a little awkward especially if you have travel delays and want to settle into your holiday time rather than wait around for a delivery.

To make an enquiry with the team you can enquire with us directly or via the phone. We will need details of your trip and also your prescription of oxygen levels required, contact us here.

3 tips for flying with oxygen

plane in sunset sky
  1. Speak with your airline provider prior to travel – Prior to travel abroad via aeroplane it is important to make sure oxygen is allowed or available on the flight. All airlines have different regulations and policies so this first step is vital.
  2. Make sure you have all the details of your prescribed oxygen needs – You will need to make sure you have the correct amount and levels as per your medical certificate. Also be aware on how to use any portable concentrator and not to run out of battery life.
  3. Allow plenty of time at the airport – Due to the extra checks and requirements it may take longer to check in at the airport with all the relevant paperwork to be checked. But also be aware you will be able to board the plane first to get settled and make sure your equipment is set up.

For all your medical oxygen needs please do contact our teams here

More environmental ways to travel in 2023

mountain view

As the topic of climate change grows we are all more aware of how we can do our part. Travel is still a very important part of our lives and there are ways in which you can still travel but have less impact of the environment. Traveling via bus or train is a more efficient plus environmentally friendly than driving a vehicle or flying on a plane or private jet. Both buses and trains not only use a significant amount of less fuel but also do release much lower amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere we need to protect.

Europe is especially more set up with its transport infrastructure for this. The network of great trains and buses able to cross borders makes this such easier. People are wanted to contribute to being planet-friendly as much as they can and sustainable travel is growing.

Thankfully it’s becoming easier to find green accommodation — keep an eye out these on specialist accommodation booking websites. Once you have selected your travel and destination @oxygenworldwide can arrange medical oxygen at your hotel or appartment.

Why is medical oxygen a challenge when we want to travel?

woman looking over mountain scenery

More and more need for medical oxygen especially after more respiratory conditions such as Covid so this service is on the increase. `

  • Always plan in advance so that everything can be arranged for the correct dates of travel with no last minute panics
  • Airlines operate different policies please see you A-Z list here for further details as this can cause problems when booking travel by air
  • Careful arrangements by speaking with the OxygenWorldwide team here to make sure correct oxygen therapy is at your holiday for the duration of your stay

Simply be prepared and plan in advance when traveling with medical oxygen.

Airline Oxygen Index

Aeroplanes

It can be difficult to know which airline to choose when you require additional services such as medical oxygen on-board. A fantastic resource has been created below so you have all the information in one place. Please do check directly with the airline before booking as services can change over-time.

Needing medical oxygen to travel needn’t be a worry!

The European Lung Organisation have produced and A-Z of all the airlines, their contact details and services:

https://europeanlung.org/en/information-hub/air-travel/airline-index/

Travel tips for Christmas trips

travel tips

Traveling can be stressful let alone during the festive season when many are going home for the holidays, visiting friends and family and meeting up with loved ones for Christmas. This can provide another layer of anxiety for those using medical oxygen and could deter anyone from even thinking about travel. Here are a few tips so you can set off on your travels and not miss out plus feel more relaxed as with anything planning and being prepared is the best tip especially if you have portable oxygen to take with you and also if you are going away for a longer period than normal.

  1. Avoid travelling on busy days for example Christmas Eve or once most companies break up for the Christmas holidays.
  2. Always plan to have extra battery power in case of travel delays or disruptions beyond your control.
  3. Real Christmas trees are magical but for those with respiratory difficulties this can affect your breathing. Fake Christmas trees are much safer.
  4. The festive season brings out all the scents but also with this comes naked flames so avoid scented candles that may trigger problems and also walk passed those chestnuts on open fires or grills.
  5. If you are traveling via air or sea please do check with your transportation provider your needs and that you are all pre-booked for your requirements. It is always advised to check all requirements before travel to stop any confusion or problems when boarding.

Finally enjoy your holiday, the time of year and being with your loved ones. Christmas is a magical time and can be enjoyed by all. Simply plan and prepare for all situations. If you require medical oxygen abroad simply send your medical requirements to the team at OxygenWorldwide who can arrange everything for you. Having 24/7 contact especially during holidays is a must and the OxygenWorldwide team will be your support.

Flying with Transavia?

aeroplane in sunset sky

Transavia airline’s website now describes how you can pre-order and request medical oxygen for your flight. This would be at a cost of 75€ per 400 Litres. This could be a great sign that other airlines will follow suit. Here the cost is clear for anyone needing this requirement. The airline simply request the following conditions:

  • You are able to operate the device yourself.
    Or you are travelling together with someone (aged 16 or over) who can provide assistance.
  • You require a signed medical certificate in English from an independent physician or specialist.
    The required number of litres of oxygen per minute is stated. The certificate must also state whether the oxygen is on stand-by or continuous. The medical certificate must be issued no later than 7 days before the departure of your flight and is required for all flights to and from the Netherlands.
  • You require less than 1,500 litres of oxygen per flight.
    If you require more oxygen, it is not possible to fly due to safety regulations.
  • You may not use your own oxygen bottles in the plane.
    You may take empty oxygen containers with you for use at the destination. These will be transported as hold luggage.
  • Oxygen can only be requested for flights departing and arriving at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Rotterdam The Hague Airport and Eindhoven Airport.
    Please note that extra oxygen tanks cannot be requested for flights departing from and arriving in Belgium and France. One exception to this is the Amsterdam-Paris (Orly) route

Please read full details over on their website: https://www.transavia.com/help/en-eu/medical-services-assistance/flying-with-extra-oxygen/request-extra-oxygen

Best Winter Trip 2022

lake in winter
  • Iceland – A great island in winter, beautiful scenery.
  • Madeira – A wonderful landscape.
  • Andalucia – Amazing for Winter.
  • Sicily – Small island but so much to see.
  • United Kingdom – London, Edinburgh, Bath – great historical cities.
  • Germany – So picturesque.
  • Cyprus – For those looking for warmer winter holidays.

For all your medical oxygen needs please do send your desired destination and oxygen needs to our expert team simply online here or call us.

10 more countries that have dropped or lowered COVID restrictions…

Malaysia

Here find countries that have dropped all or most of their local Covid-19 restrictions.

  1. Malaysia
  2. Belize
  3. Slovakia
  4. Czech Republic
  5. Jamaica
  6. Argentina
  7. Poland
  8. Denmark
  9. Sweden
  10. Romania

Plan you trip in advance as possible, Contact our team with your medical oxygen requirements and pack your bags ready for an adventure!